Apothecary

Mistletoe.

Viscum album

Also known as All-Heal, Birdlime, Druid's Herb, Thunderbesom

ElementAirPlanetSunZodiacAries, SagittariusChakraHeart, Crown

The plant the Druids cut with a golden sickle from the sacred oak, the green-and-pearl bough of Norse myth that slew bright Baldur. Mistletoe is the most sacred parasite in Western magic — borrowed life clinging to the tree of the gods, never to be ingested but always to be revered.

Mistletoe — botanical illustration

Correspondences

Element

Air

Planet

Sun

Zodiac

Aries, Sagittarius

Chakra

Heart, Crown

Parts Used

Berries, leaves, branches

Harvest

Winter (traditional)

Practice

Magical Properties

Protection, love, fertility, hunting luck, dream work

Perhaps the most sacred plant to the Druids. Hang in the home for protection and love. Carry a sprig for luck. Use in fertility and love workings.

Mundane

Mundane Uses

Contains toxic lectins. Mistletoe extracts studied and used in European integrative oncology.

Devotion

Deity Associations

Baldur, Aeneas, Apollo

History

Folklore & History

The Druids believed mistletoe had fallen from heaven and was the living soul of the sacred oak. In Norse myth, Baldur was killed by a mistletoe arrow forged by Loki.

Safety

Safety Notes

TOXIC. Berries and leaves toxic if ingested. Do not eat. Handle with care. Keep away from children.

This information is provided for educational and magical reference only. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using herbs medicinally.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mistletoe used for in witchcraft?

Mistletoe is traditionally used in workings for protection, love, fertility, hunting luck, dream work. Perhaps the most sacred plant to the Druids.

What element is Mistletoe associated with?

Mistletoe is associated with the Air element and the sign of Aries, Sagittarius, and resonates with the Heart, Crown chakras.

What planet rules Mistletoe?

Mistletoe is ruled by Sun. In the classical planetary system, this gives the herb its characteristic energetic signature and indicates which workings it most readily amplifies and which planetary hours best suit it.

Is Mistletoe safe to use?

Some care is required when working with Mistletoe. TOXIC. Berries and leaves toxic if ingested. Do not eat. Handle with care. Keep away from children. The information here is provided for educational and magical reference only — always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb medicinally.

In Your Practice

Track your work with Mistletoe.

Record spells, rituals, and observations in your private digital grimoire.

Related

More Air Herbs

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